5: The Romantic Emperor vs. the Gratitude of the Peasant Girl (5)

Liu Qianyu entered the palace and settled in Yaochi Palace.

Yaochi Palace, nestled in a quiet corner of the imperial grounds, exuded magnificence while maintaining an air of tranquility. The courtyard was deep and serene, featuring a small bridge over flowing water, pavilions, and lush green bamboo. Winding stone paths meandered through blooming exotic flowers and fragrant plants, creating a paradise that felt worlds away from the palace's hustle and bustle.

As a newly promoted concubine, Liu Qianyu's placement in the elegant Yaochi Palace indicated her extraordinary status in the emperor's heart. She believed the emperor had chosen this secluded spot out of concern for her ability to navigate palace intrigues. However, she knew the truth: she had entered the palace to contend with Concubine Xiao.

On her first day, aside from the palace maids sent by Eunuch Chen Dehai and the imperial edict rewarding Concubine Chun, there were no visitors. It wasn't until nightfall, when the stars twinkled in the sky, that Xuanyuan Che arrived at Yaochi Palace, carried by the evening breeze.

Dressed in a dragon robe, he appeared extraordinarily noble. His sharp eyebrows framed starry eyes, and his straight nose accentuated his handsomeness. When his thin lips pursed, he emanated an inviolable majesty. Yet, when he smiled, his deep eyes sparkled with a gentleness that seemed to hold the stars and the sea within them.

He was, indeed, the romantic emperor who had captivated countless noble ladies in the past.

"Your Majesty, be safe."

Her voice was gentle and delicate, like a refreshing spring breeze.

With her affectionate peach blossom eyes, she appeared even more charming and alluring.

"No need to be so polite. This is my first time entering the palace today. Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Xuanyuan Che chuckled, gently pulling her into his arms. He buried his face in her neck, inhaling her floral scent, which instantly eased his day's fatigue.

"I am fine. Wherever the emperor is, that is my home. I will try my best to adapt to life here."

Liu Qianyu shook her head sincerely. Xuanyuan Che understood the complexities of the harem, making him cherish her innocence and beauty even more.

"Qianyu, if you're not used to the palace rules, don't be too restrained in private. There’s no queen here; the imperial concubine oversees everything. The concubines pay their respects on the first and fifteenth of each month, but you don’t have to rush. Take your time."

"Then how should I address Your Majesty in private?"

She gently wrapped her arm around Xuanyuan Che's neck, her voice soft and seductive.

Her peach blossom eyes sparkled, and her pink lips moved slightly, speaking in a tone meant only for him.

Xuanyuan Che felt a rush of warmth in his chest, a long-lost sensation reigniting within him.

"It's up to you, Yu'er. Call me whatever you like."

"Brother Che."

Liu Qianyu's tone was as sweet as honey, reminiscent of a newly blooming flower—intoxicating and vibrant.

The call of "Brother Che" shattered Xuanyuan Che's defenses. The soft touch and lingering fragrance brought back memories of their time in the cave, igniting a joyful fire in his heart.

"Say it again," he urged, his low, hoarse voice echoing in the night like a traveler longing for sweet spring water.

Liu Qianyu leaned in and kissed the corner of his lips, an action that fueled the flames within him. Impatiently, he lifted her by the waist, striding into the inner room.

"Don't worry; you'll have something to cheer for tonight," he said, his voice laced with temptation and anticipation, akin to the prelude of a feast about to unfold.

"Help! Xiaoling!" Panic rose within Liu Qianyu, but reality pressed upon her, her clothes torn in an instant.

Xuanyuan Che’s breath came in quick, hungry gasps, like a wolf eyeing its prey.

"Good," he murmured, his voice low and magnetic, a gentle trap that left Liu Qianyu powerless to resist.

He offered no chance for further words, and she could only close her eyes, surrendering to the moment...

* * *

The next morning, dawn broke softly over the sky, as the first rays of sunlight brushed gently against the glazed tiles of Yaochi Palace.

Chen Dehai was already standing outside the door, carefully waking the sleeping emperor.

Inside the bedroom, Xuanyuan Che slowly opened his eyes, his gaze tenderly resting on the face in his arms, which seemed even more enchanting after a night of passion.

The corners of his mouth lifted unconsciously as he gently kissed her soft lips, then buried his face in her shiny black hair, inhaling the fragrance that belonged only to her.

"Brother Che, I'm tired..."

Liu Qianyu's voice was laced with laziness and a hint of coquettishness, a clear sign that she was not yet fully awake.

She half-opened her sleepy eyes, radiating a charm that made it impossible not to want to cherish her.

Xuanyuan Che coaxed her gently, "Sleep a little longer, little lazy cat. I need to go to court first. There are many important matters to attend to today. When you wake up, you can ask the palace maid to take you to the imperial garden. I promise I’ll be back to keep you company as soon as I finish."

Liu Qianyu yawned lazily, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.

She responded softly with a "hmm," then turned over and drifted back to sleep.

Xuanyuan Che watched her cute sleeping face, shaking his head helplessly with a fond smile.

He stood up and drew the curtains, shielding the beautiful scene from view.

The noble and imperial aura returned to Xuanyuan Che's brow.

As the palace maids entered quietly to serve, they were met with the sight of chaos in the bedroom—things strewn all over the place.

Xuanyuan Che instructed the palace maids and eunuchs to avoid waking Liu Qianyu.

The servants lowered their heads, speaking in hushed tones; some tidied up, while others served, all wary of disturbing the beauty still in slumber.

Eunuch Chen Dehai stood aside, stealing glances at the drawn curtain and Xuanyuan Che's refreshed expression, which he found hard to conceal.

It seemed the dynamics in the harem were about to shift.

---

In the Splendid Palace, morning light bathed the space, showcasing its resplendent magnificence—a blend of solemnity and grandeur.

Concubine Xiao had risen early, meticulously dressing in gorgeous attire adorned with pearls and jade, exuding an air of nobility.

As the sole imperial concubine, she wielded significant power over harem affairs.

Today marked the first day of the new year, a time when all concubines were required to pay their respects as per tradition.

Within the palace, various concubines had been waiting quietly for some time.

Some exuded dignity, while others were charming, yet all displayed a hint of impatience and anxiety.

"The Imperial Concubine has arrived~"

Following a sharp announcement from the eunuch, Concubine Xiao, supported by Hongyu, slowly walked into the hall.

All the concubines quickly rose and saluted respectfully.

Concubine Xiao took her place at the front, her gaze indifferent as she surveyed the beauties paying their respects below. A smile appeared on her lips, and after a moment, she spoke casually.

"Sisters, please stand up quickly."

Though many harbored dissatisfaction, they buried their emotions deep within. Concubine Xiao, who had once been pregnant with His Majesty's child, had ascended directly from a talented lady to an Imperial Concubine, placing her above them all. Her subtle taunts, like today’s, were just a drop in the bucket.

In her daily life, she wielded her power to oppress others, manipulating the dynamics of the harem to ensure the other concubines remained silent.

Among those who sought to curry favor was Lin Wan'er, Concubine Wan. Selected for the palace despite her father's low-ranking official position, she had aligned herself with the imperial concubine, often aiding in the bullying of her peers.

At this moment, Concubine Wan Lin Wan'er stood up, dressed in exquisite palace attire, her pretty face framed by an air of cunning and cleverness as she offered a subtle compliment.

"May the Imperial Concubine be blessed with good health. You look exquisite today, just like peach blossoms blooming in spring. Your beauty is truly captivating."

Concubine Xiao's eyes flickered, and a deeper smile graced her lips. She raised her eyelids slightly, her voice laced with pride.

"Princess Wan has a sweet tongue."

Wanpin felt a thrill of delight but maintained a composed demeanor as she bowed gracefully.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. I speak only the truth. In my heart, you are unmatched in beauty and charm. I am fortunate to serve you."

Hearing this, Concubine Xiao's smile brightened further as she lightly patted the armrest.

"Wanpin is truly skilled with words. I appreciate it. As long as you remain loyal, I will not treat you unfairly."

Quick to affirm her position, Wanpin spoke earnestly.

"I will do my utmost to assist the Imperial Concubine and will never disappoint you."

Observing this exchange, some concubines, while inwardly scornful of Wanpin's flattery, joined in the praise.

In Jinxiu Palace, voices of admiration echoed throughout the hall.

Yet beneath the surface, the atmosphere was anything but harmonious, as hidden ambitions simmered and each woman harbored her own motives.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***